How much reduction in flow using a co2 reactor?

[Mookie]

I am looking to buy a co2 reactor but is worried that it will greatly reduce my flow. Looking at a Ista pro mix, and I'm just using a Eheim 2213.

Wondering how bad the reduction of flow would be? Maybe a percentage would be a good gauge, cos if like 10-20% reduction! I probably still can accept. But if 40-50%， then I seriously got to consider the trade-off.

[Urban Aquaria]

It depends on the recommended flow rating on the reactor, the range of optimal flow rates that will work properly with a particular reactor is usually listed on the box or instructions.

From my experience, based on using the ISTA reactor (the one that looks like the Sera version) with a 750 l/ph canister filter, the flow rate reduced to around 650 l/ph, so around 15% reduction (calculated using measuring cup + timer method).

I'm not sure if the effects of flow reduction differ between faster or slower canister filters though, so i guess you'll just have to try and see.

[atolylica]

I would highly recommend a CO2 reactor because they are highly effectively in dissolving CO2 into the water.
For me, the main purpose of my canister filter and reactor is to provide filtration and effective CO2 mix, not so much of creating flow throughout the tank. If your concern is flow, simply add a powerhead and you're good to go.

[Mookie]

It depends on the recommended flow rating on the reactor, the range of optimal flow rates that will work properly with a particular reactor is usually listed on the box or instructions.

From my experience, based on using the ISTA reactor (the one that looks like the Sera version) with a 750 l/ph canister filter, the flow rate reduced to around 650 l/ph, so around 15% reduction (calculated using measuring cup + timer method).

I'm not sure if the effects of flow reduction differ between faster or slower canister filters though, so i guess you'll just have to try and see.

Fingers crossed that my flow will lose 15% flow with a reactor! going to get one later.

[Mookie]

I would highly recommend a CO2 reactor because they are highly effectively in dissolving CO2 into the water.
For me, the main purpose of my canister filter and reactor is to provide filtration and effective CO2 mix, not so much of creating flow throughout the tank. If your concern is flow, simply add a powerhead and you're good to go.

I thought the reduction in flow would affect overall filtration.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, reduction in filter flow affects circulation, if the flow is reduced too much then dead-spots might occur, so certain areas of the tank don't get as much nutrients or Co2... therefore have to factor that in when adding additional equipment like reactors, usually most people just go for higher flow rate filters from the start to compensate.

[qngwn]

I personally, am using something similar from ista, which is the max mix co2 reactor.

After installing the reactor I noticed a drop in flow rate, approximately 20% to 30% slower. Thus I have upgraded my 2ft from a 2213 to a 2215 to ensure adequate flow going around the tank.

The flow should not be too strong as if it is too strong and above the recommended flowrate, the co2 will not be dissolved as efficiently as compared to a lower flowrate. This is due to the small bubbles being unable to go against the strong flow inside the reactor, thus flowing out of the reactor faster as compared to normal. This will result in lesser dissolvation of co2 inside the water.

That being said, it is good to have a filter powerful enough, so that you can have sufficient flow after passing through the reactor. You can always over power the filter, and with the addition of ball valves to control the flow rate, you can find the optimum flow for the co2 to dissolve as much as possible.

Also mentioned by the guys above, you can add in additional equipments powerheads to increase flow circulation. Another forumer has also used an additional powerhead to power the co2 reactor so that it does not affect his filtration capability.

So depends on how you want to set it up, there are many ways to go about this.

[atolylica]

Just did a flowrate test today. Using a 2217 (1000 l/hr) hooked to an inline reactor for my 2 feet tank, and guess what, the flowrate worked out to be only 300l/hr! It's an old 2nd hand 2217, so I'm guessing it's due to wear and tear?

Another question I have that is non-related is this, does switching on my Eheim surface skimmer during photoperiod displace CO2 from the water? Currently I only switch on the skimmer during lights out. Wondering if I can switch it on during photoperiod to increase the circulation.

Thanks!

[Urban Aquaria]

Just did a flowrate test today. Using a 2217 (1000 l/hr) hooked to an inline reactor for my 2 feet tank, and guess what, the flowrate worked out to be only 300l/hr! It's an old 2nd hand 2217, so I'm guessing it's due to wear and tear?

Yeah, inline reactors will usually reduce the filter flow rate to some extent... but do make sure the reactor you use is designed to match your canister filter flow rate, if the reactor is too large, it may end up slowing down the flow too much. The amount of media packed inside the filter canister will also affect the flow rate too.

Its also possible the impeller could be worn out and become less stable when spinning too, hence reducing the overall flow rate. Just open the motor housing to check the impeller condition (look at the hole where the ceramic shaft slots in, it should fit securely, not sit loosely). If necessary, can get a new replacement impeller to restore the flow rate.

Another question I have that is non-related is this, does switching on my Eheim surface skimmer during photoperiod displace CO2 from the water? Currently I only switch on the skimmer during lights out. Wondering if I can switch it on during photoperiod to increase the circulation.

The additional surface movement from a surface skimmer does off-gass abit of Co2 from the water, but it wouldn't be a significant amount of loss anyways... you could just compensate by adjusting the Co2 injection abit higher if necessary.

[BFG]

Just did a flowrate test today. Using a 2217 (1000 l/hr) hooked to an inline reactor for my 2 feet tank, and guess what, the flowrate worked out to be only 300l/hr! It's an old 2nd hand 2217, so I'm guessing it's due to wear and tear?

Another question I have that is non-related is this, does switching on my Eheim surface skimmer during photoperiod displace CO2 from the water? Currently I only switch on the skimmer during lights out. Wondering if I can switch it on during photoperiod to increase the circulation.

Thanks!

How packed are the filtration media in the 2217?

[atolylica]

@UA - okay will do a check on my impeller to see if it's loose. I'm using the ISTA external rector (not mix max) which is suitable for flow up to 1000l/hr. I reckon after going through the medias, it would be less than 1000l/hr.
I think the amount of surface agitation caused by my cooling fan is more than the surface skimmer. I understand that getting a new impeller is equivalent to getting a new set altogether?

@BHG - I only packed 1 liter of Matrix and 1 liter of brandless CR. Plus a small bag of Purigen. I did not pack the canister fully.

[Urban Aquaria]

@UA - okay will do a check on my impeller to see if it's loose. I'm using the ISTA external rector (not mix max) which is suitable for flow up to 1000l/hr. I reckon after going through the medias, it would be less than 1000l/hr.
I understand that getting a new impeller is equivalent to getting a new set altogether?

You can check out Shadow's blog where he did some troubleshooting for his own 2217 and got a new replacement impeller to fix it, very useful information (including the cost to get the new impeller and shaft set):

http://aquatic-art.blogspot.sg/2012/...tle-noise.html

I think the amount of surface agitation caused by my cooling fan is more than the surface skimmer.

Yeah, cooling fans create alot more surface agitation than surface skimmers so it probably wouldn't make much difference during operation, just have to increase the Co2 injection if necessary.